July | 2011 | V11 N3
A Focus on Our Troops Home Military Missions by Jeff Ables
Encouraged in the Lord Frank Wood A Quest for the Intent of the Biblical Author Jason Gaddis Compensation Part I Dr. Dave Hardy Reasons Why Josh Merrell Living in a Glass House Aaron Denson
A publication of the Global Independent Baptist Fellowship We have some ideas that will only materialize “... my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Ps. 45:1b once we get the basic workflow down. Policies will evolve over these first few issues. Any inconsistencies are unintentional. Please participate in the requests through the GIBF email list. Church news, requests for articles, and church practices will prove great resources if you will submit them as they come up on the list. Allow the magazine to be journalism, not preaching. All truth is God’s truth and sometimes others might say it better than we do. Rather than fill half the paper with disclaimers, accept the benefit of an article without assuming it promotes everything the the ready writer author ever believed. Neither fellowships nor friendships demand agreement on every point. This magazine doesn’t either. Consider supporting the magazine GIBF & BASF | Wayne Hardy, Editor monthly. Regular church support is our primary source of funding. Individual subscriptions ome of the men who have influenced me advertising campaign by BASF in which the cover a small amount. Our team will be working most have largely been through accidental company bragged: “At BASF, we don’t make hard to make it worth your investment. friendships, humanly speaking, of course. a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot Remember that I am also a pastor. SGod knew I needed their influence. I didn’t. of the products better.” Likewise, fellowships Becoming Editor affords me even less time Like most preachers, I choose friends who are don’t start churches or call pastors. They might or desire to spend arguing over fine points or like me. The closer to my particular beliefs make them better, though. How? By exposing defending others. they are, the more inclined I am to like them. us to others who are passionate about the local After completing the first issue, my respect for I have to thank the Lord, though, for the many church, who might strengthen us in areas that Rich Farinella and Dave Lydick has skyrocketed. wonderful times He has surprised me. Some of we are weak. I’ve met men in that setting who Bro. Rich started the paper and spent five years the richest relationships I have I wasn’t smart challenged my soul-winning, provoked my building a good foundation. I doubt starting enough to seek out. The deepest impressions on prayer life, and raised my bar for preaching. a paper was on his bucket list. Bro. Dave took my life have sometimes come from men who I pastor a wonderful church that can become it five more years and developed the base of weren’t like me enough for me to befriend. content with what I produce. A point of financial support. They obviously have that Therein lies the primary reason I am involved maturity for any pastor is knowing there can be a pioneering spirit, both having started wonderful in an organized Fellowship and other fellowship vast difference between a satisfied congregation churches. Church planters tend to have a gene meetings. I need the opportunity to be exposed and a satisfied Savior. When they’re happy, I the rest of us lack. If I can come close to adding to men I don’t yet know. You might, too. Elijah’s tend to be happy…and satisfied. Should I be? in my time what they contributed in theirs, I “I only…” mindset wasn’t his finest hour, and it Bible Baptist Church deserves a pastor who will be thrilled. was answered by God’s insistence that He had refuses to be self-contented and who surrounds So dawns a new era for the Baptist Times. If thousands more just as committed as Elijah. himself with men whose very presence I can somehow collect enough thoughts from You can find many godly, disciplined men in highlights his inadequacies. A Fellowship can good minds and pure hearts to make your walk the ministry whose strengths hone some of your turn the introduction of new friends into with the Lord a little richer and your ministry own or identify areas of weakness. We tend to divine appointments that can refine a pastor’s more effective, it will be time well served. Thank look for our own kind with a criterion closer character and strengthen his discipline. you for the privilege. to personality than doctrine. That’s where a Not everyone can or will attend a fellowship Fellowship serves a useful purpose. A good meeting. My passion for the Baptist Times Fellowship or fellowship-type meeting generally is to help produce this sharpening process reflects a more limited, yet shared set of beliefs, using print. You’ll find some great minds and thus providing a safety net of exposure. It safely passionate hearts in the GIBF with something exposes us to men with similar philosophy, to say that would profit us all. They have but varying strengths and disciplines we often inspiring stories and practical wisdom that lack. I’ve gone to many fellowship meetings result from documenting the work of God content with who I was until I met someone in ministries big and small, both known and who demonstrated how much more Christ can obscure. I hope the Baptist Times can capture actually extract from a man. My best efforts have the best of their efforts to the strengthening of been revealed as anemic once God interrupted local churches around the world. my chosen circle of fellowship with a flash of With that goal of sharpening in mind, here passion from some previously unknown vessel are a few considerations I would request as we Pastor Wayne Hardy, Editor of honor. enter this next era. You may remember the popular national Allow us time to settle into the format. The Global Baptist Times 3
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4 A Focus on Our Troops | Jeff Ables Home Military Missions
6 Church News | Harry Hix Happenings Across the Country
8 Baptist Times Interview | Dr. Dave Hardy Interview with Pastor Joe Dickinson
10 The Moderator’s Memo | Frank Wood Encouraged in the Lord
11 Reasons Why | Josh Merrell The Importance of Doctrine
12 GIBM Report | Bob Lewis
13 GIBM Missionary Updates
14 Church Planting | Rich Farinella You Can’t Cut it Down!
15 Heartland Baptist Bible College | Sam Davison
16 Biblical Preaching | Jason Gaddis A Quest for the Intent of the Biblical Author
17 The Preacher’s Study | Dr. Dave Hardy Compensation Part I
18 The Family in Ministry | Aaron Denson Living in a Glass House
19 Florida Baptist College | Bruce E. Turner
20 Church & Evangelist Listings
22 The Ministry Wife | Lisa Hardy Welcome the Pain
22 Remembering a Faithful Servant | Baptist Times
23 Missions Trip to Hungary | Mike Carney
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a focus on our troops Home Military Missions | Jeff Ables
ould you consider our military as Andrew Jackson by John Meacham. Inside all of Jewell College. This is one great example of a mission field ripe unto harvest? these books are the exploits of military men who Baptist people being an influence upon the Men and women of the military became great leaders and some even served as military in a very positive manner. deserveW our great admiration, but they also president of our beloved United States. Signs are displayed across our country with deserve to hear the Good News of salvation Throughout American history there have such words as “Pray for our troops” or “We through Jesus Christ. We live in a time when been Baptists willing to give the Gospel to our support our troops,” but should the most military personnel need the biblical influence troops. Over one-third of the one hundred plus important challenge be “Pray for the salvation of Baptist preaching. We need to preach the chaplains employed by the Continental Army of our troops?” Mission-minded Baptists need Gospel to all, and that includes members of our during the Revolutionary War were Baptist. to consider our military as a mission field. A Armed Forces. These Baptist men supported liberty and were reserve unit, a guard unit, or an active duty Several events have transpired over the last feared by the British because they were men of station could be in your area. There, you will several months that have focused attention on action and prayer. John Gano, who was pastor find a mission field of young men and women the military and its important role in our society. of the First Baptist Church in New York City, who have discipline, loyalty, and leadership and One event that has been the focus of the public also served as a chaplain during this time and was who need to be presented with the Gospel of eye is the involvement of the Navy Seals in the an influential figure with George Washington. Jesus Christ. When a soldier comes to a saving death of Osama Bin Laden. To bring this man Along with other Baptist chaplains, Gano was knowledge of Christ, he becomes a soldier of of terror to justice is certainly a great victory so significant that at the close of the war, George the cross, who will be trained with all the tools for the American military and the American Washington, the Father of our country, requested necessary for discipleship. people. God bless the young seamen for the that Gano baptize him without great fanfare. While the event of the Navy Seals taking qualities obtained through military training, the Washington requested that the ordinance be part in the mission to eliminate the enemy is knowledge, and the courage used to carry out done in a simple and quiet demonstration. The prominent in the eyes of our entire nation, it this significant mission. recorded archives of the First Baptist Church has drawn my attention to the military men The qualities instilled in these men through reveal that after Washington had studied the and women at Berean Baptist Church here in basic training play a vital role in their military Scriptures he concluded that immersion was Springfield, MO, specifically to the salvation of career. It is these traits that help them perform the correct mode and requested that a Baptist four young men. This may appear insignificant the duties required by their military service that minister perform the baptism. in our society, but it has made a great impact in is so vital to our nation. These characteristics of According to John Gano’s son, Daniel, about our military. Three of those men are enlisted military men and women help Americans to be forty officers were present as Washington was in the United States Army and one is a United proud of our troops and the service they perform baptized in the Hudson River. A painting States Marine. All are now members of Berean on a daily basis to help retain the freedoms that of Gano baptizing Washington is currently Baptist Church. define our country. displayed in William Jewell College in Liberty, One of these young men, Billy Green, was Several books written in recent years tell the MO. This painting, commissioned in 1908, saved as a result of hearing the Gospel in a Baptist stories of those who volunteered to fight for our was placed in the Baptist church at Asbury, church and immediately joined the military. country. Included are works such as John Adams NJ. It remained there until 1926 when the While in Afghanistan, his life began to change and 1776 by David McCullough, Washington by great-granddaughter of John Gano, Elizabeth drastically. The second soldier, Michael Simms, Ron Chernow, and American Lion: Biography of Johnston, presented the painting to William was saved as a result of listening to preaching 5
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CDs, which were provided to him while he was Dakina Frederick, a United States Marine living for leadership in ministry as pastors and serving in Afghanistan. Through the preaching in Springfield and attending Berean Baptist missionaries. Would you pray for the of God’s Word, he came under conviction, was Church. A renewed respect and admiration protection and more importantly the salvation saved, and began to read his Bible. Both Green’s for our military members came over me as I of our men and women serving in the Armed and Simms’ lives began to change as they watched these men grow in their Christian life. Forces? If you will, our God is more than continued to listen to the messages of Baptist What an impact these young military men have capable to use the military personnel to be preachers obtained from the websites of Baptist already had and continue to have on those with part of the next generation of preachers and churches. whom they come in contact. Their witness has missionaries who will take the faith once Other soldiers began to see a drastic change seen the fruit of others coming to Jesus Christ delivered to the saints on to the battlefield of come about because of Simms’ and Green’s in salvation. the world. new birth. Green’s life began to impact another I love the United States of America and the soldier, his best friend James Nevins. Green soldiers, airmen, seamen, and marines who began to witness to Nevins, whom he had serve our country so valiantly. As a former known since high school and who served with pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Knob him in the Army. Nevins waited and watched Noster, MO, with a high percentage of military his friend because he knew his friend would not members, I have seen what takes place when a last with this new religion. However, Green’s military member comes to Christ in salvation. salvation had changed him and he stood firm As a present pastor of these soldiers and marine in his Christianity. Nevins was gloriously saved personnel, I have witnessed firsthand the zeal, shortly thereafter because of his buddy Green readiness to learn, and the boldness to witness taking a firm stand on his new belief in the because they are now soldiers of Jesus Christ. Bible. What a blessing it has been to be their They are prepared to take the orders of the pastor and to sit with each of these men and Great Commission, as we all should do. God hear them tell of their testimony of salvation. was able to take the qualities instilled in them as All three of these young men have been members of the military and then use them for scripturally baptized and are faithfully active His honor and glory. Pastor Jeff Ables in Berean Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. Consider the number of men today whose Berean Baptist Church | Springfield, MO Recently, the fourth individual saved was military experience God used to ready them
Rocky Mountain Baptist Church 2387 HWY 35 Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-5954
Global Independent Baptist Fellowship Meeting Accommodations: September 19-21, 2011 Holiday Inn Express (recommended) Kalispell, MT 275 Treeline Road 406-755-7405 Kalispell, MT 59901 $79 plus tax Hampton Inn 406-755-7900 1140 HWY 2 $89 plus tax When making airfare reservations, it is recommended you check the rates into Kalispell, MT 59901 Spokane, WA (GEG), which is four hours away, and rent a car on Priceline. LaQuinta Inns and Suites 406-257-5255 com. If you prefer to fly into Kalispell, MT (FCA), you are welcome to, but will 255 Montclair Drive $75.69 plus tax pay considerably higher rates. Also Notice: You will lose one hour between Kalispell, MT 59901 Spokane, WA, and Kalispell, MT, due to the time change. For more information, visit www.rockymtbaptist.com or www.gibf.org.
We at Rocky Mountain Baptist Church are thrilled about this wonderful opportunity to serve each one of you in this upcom- ing GIBF fall meeting. The work before each one of us in this age will take “Mountain Moving Faith,” and our prayer is that the preaching, singing, and fellowship will encourage all of us Dean Herring Frank Wood Terry Randolph Sam Davison in this challenging work we have been called to do. We also pray that the exposure to the inland Northwest will increase your burden for the need of the Gospel in this part of North America. Looking forward to seeing you!
Dan & Terresa Lydick Matt Farinella Rich Farinella Wayne Hardy Dave Hardy 6
the global BAPTIST TIMES church news Happenings Across the Country
was the only vehicle in the parking lot neither moved nor overturned. Members of both churches lost homes, but not one was injured. Pastor Allen said two houses of members were destroyed and one couple survived huddled under a table as their home collapsed. The table held and they were able to dig out from under it. Pastor Owens said approximately 10 members had their homes Southside Baptist Church, Joplin MO destroyed or damaged too extensively to be SBC lived in. No one was injured, and Pastor Owens Tornado Devastation in Joplin, MO said those with the most home damage were at Pastor Allen and Pastor Owens said they have by Harry Hix, Baptist Times Staff church at the time. been amazed at the outpouring of support they have received and are amazed at the unexpected The tornado that devastated one third of outreach opportunities that have resulted since the city of Joplin, MO, Sunday, May 22, also the tornado. Pastor Allen said the church phone destroyed two independent Baptist churches, was on call forwarding to his cell phone and Faith Baptist Church and Southside Baptist the calls he has been getting have resulted in Church, but miraculously no one was killed or several opportunities “to visit people and to win severely injured at either church. people to Christ.” Pastor Owens said that people Both churches had places to hold services the are “tender and listening now” and “this has next Sunday and places to continue meeting become a great opportunity to take the Gospel long term until plans can be made and carried SBC after to people.” out for rebuilding. Both plan to rebuild at their present locations. The next Sunday, May 29, Faith Baptist Pastor Bruce Allen of Faith Baptist Church Church met at 1 p.m. at Reinmiller Baptist and Pastor Phil Owens of Southside Baptist Church after Pastor Larry Sparks and his Church each praised the Lord for His protection congregation offered use of their building. Since when the tornado hit. Pastor Allen and his song then, FBC has been meeting in the fellowship leader and his wife and four children were in the hall at Bethel Baptist of Joplin, pastored by church and raced to the basement. Pastor Allen John Newberry. The fellowship hall is in an Faith Baptist Church, Joplin MO said that when he came out of the basement attached building and this allows FBC to hold he saw immediately that the parsonage next Pastor Allen said that he left the parsonage door was gone and the church caved in. Pastor to go to the church only moments before the Owens said about 19 people had arrived for tornado hit. The parsonage had no basement, so services and dashed toward the basement, taking he would have had no shelter had he been home. refuge in a windowless classroom at the base of Pastor Allen said he normally does not pay the steps. One church family, Larry Moser and much attention to tornado warnings, but this his wife and three children, had just arrived in time, when the rain began blowing horizontally the parking lot in their Dodge crew-cab pickup because of the strong wind, he and the others when the tornado hit. They rode out the storm ran to the basement. Everything happened really in the truck, which was heavily damaged, but SBC parking lot quickly, he said. The windows in the basement they were unhurt. Pastor Owens said their truck exploded and glass, debris, and water flew services at the same time as Bethel. Southside met May 29 in the chapel at Sagmount Baptist Youth Camp and is now meeting in the Seventh Day Adventist Church not far from Southside’s location. Southside met there 15 years ago after the loss of its building due to a fire, and Pastor Owens said the Adventist church told him Southside had taken such good care of the facilities last time that the church was welcome Moser family’s truck to meet there as long as necessary. FBC after 7
the global BAPTIST TIMES around. “The basement shuddered,” he said. “I have never experienced anything like it.” When it was over, the door to the basement was gone, and Pastor Allen said he couldn’t believe it when he saw the parsonage gone and the auditorium collapsed with the high ceiling, 30-foot beams all twisted. “It was quite an ordeal,” he said.
FBC parsonage
Three years ago last February, Bruce David, Sherri, Micah, Katelyn, Leah, Josiah Allen became pastor and had five people in attendance. Today, the church is averaging 50 The David Bosworth Family in attendance. “The Lord has been good to David Bosworth, who had served the past six years under Pastor John Waterloo at Central us,” Pastor Allen said. “And now, it seems, He Baptist Church in Ponca City, OK, in April became the Pastor of Bible Baptist Church in is giving us an unbelievable opportunity. We Ponca City. He is a 2004 graduate of Heartland Baptist Bible College. are getting opportunity to visit people and this The Lord has blessed Bible Baptist Church in several ways in recent months. A renewed spirit whole area will soon be full of new homes.” He is evident in the church as members look forward to making a greater impact in Ponca City. said the church building was insured and plans Already, three people have been saved and two have been baptized. Attendance has doubled are being made to rebuild. from about 20 on average each week to about 40.
Great Lakes Youth Conference 2011
FBC parsonage after
Pastor Owens, who said Southside had 117 in attendance for the first service after the tornado, forsees rebuilding at the same location also. He said it will need to be determined whether the foundation is usable. “We want what the Lord would have us to have,” he said. “We want a church building that is usable and that will provide for the ministry God would have us Cleveland Baptist Church of Ohio to Host 6th Annual Great Lakes Youth Conference doing.” The conference will be held August 3-5, 2011, and feature the preaching of Dr. Sam Davison Pastor Owens said it has been amazing the and Evangelist Billy Ingram. The Glory Bound Quartet from Heartland Baptist Bible College way the Lord has provided. Some people in the will provide special music throughout the conference. The Conference also features fun church lost everything, but no lives were lost, activities including a trip to Cedar Point, great food, and awesome Christian fellowship. and everyone with homes damaged or destroyed The cost to attend all three days of the conference is $80.00 per person if registered by has shelter. “We appreciate everyone’s prayers,” Wednesday, July 15, and $85.00 per person thereafter. More information, including registration he said. “God does answer prayers.” and schedules, can be found online: www.greatlakesyouthconference.org. 8
the global BAPTIST TIMES service: a labor of love An Interview with Joe Dickinson | Dr. Dave Hardy
Hillcrest Baptist Church | El Paso, TX
astor Joe Dickinson of Hillcrest Baptist a job with a big firm after graduating from and dad’s bedroom at 1223 S. Rockford Road in Church in El Paso, TX, is the kind of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, Ardmore I invited Jesus into my heart to forgive man who gives hope. He is a man of where they began attending church together at me of my sins and save my soul. Pcharacter and a man of the Book. When you Bible Baptist Church. Sam Davison was pastor Later that same year, I believe, Bro. David meet him for the first time, you might think: then. Upon moving to Oklahoma City, my dad Allen accepted the call to be the next pastor “He sure looks young to be the pastor of a large recalls a day when the doorbell rang and there of Grace Baptist Temple, where he is still church.” You will also notice that he dresses well, on the porch stood Bro. Sam Davison with pastor today. It was under the ministry of this presents himself accordingly and is of a kind but Bro. John Aldrich, pastor of the Bible Baptist wonderful man of God that I would grow up. firm disposition. Church of El Reno, OK. When I was born, this Oh, and what a wonderful place and childhood After spending some time with Joe and his was the church our family was attending. it was! Our church was indeed a family. wife, Tisha, you will feel blessed to have made In 1984, dad had grown tired of the rat their acquaintance. They are humble people and race of the big city firm and decided to move Global Baptist Times: Discuss your call to the you will look forward to a closer friendship with the family to Ardmore, OK, to start his own ministry. them. You will leave their company knowing accounting business. We soon began attending you have been in the presence of real salt of the the Grace Baptist Temple where Gary Williams Each summer, we would take a week to go earth people. was the pastor. to Texhoma Baptist Youth Camp in Pottsboro, TX. It was hotter than a pistol there, but we Global Baptist Times: We thank Bro. Joe for Global Baptist Times: When and where you didn’t care. It was camp and we loved it. In the consenting to answer some questions sent to were saved? summer of 1990, I’m pretty sure we had gone him by email. Start with where you were born and sat under the preaching of a “wild man” and where you spent your childhood. What In the summer after I turned five, I discovered named Dave McCracken that year. It turned out church did you attend and who was the pastor? that without Christ I was headed for hell. I told to be quite a week for me. I won a trophy that my teacher one day that I wanted to be saved was half my size, caught a game winning ball in I was born in Oklahoma City, OK, to Mike and he referred me to the pastor, who then told a dodge ball game that was played in a building and Judy Dickinson on May 13, 1981. My me to talk to my dad. So, that afternoon I told dubbed as the “microwave,” and got a ribbon for parents had moved there when dad accepted my dad I wanted to be saved, and there in mom singing a special. 9
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But on Thursday night of that week, I felt the Heartland and I ended up graduating in 2003. actually ended up serving under two pastors: Bill thumping call of God in my heart that I shall Mitchell and Lenny Himes. In 2009, Hillcrest never forget. It had bothered me all that week. Global Baptist Times: Where did you meet was again in need of a pastor. My name came up I sat through a good chunk of the invitation, your wife? on the docket and a few weeks later I was voted compelled by the Lord Himself to surrender my in. I have been pastor since that time. life to be a preacher. My dad was sitting next During my tenure at Heartland, I met the It has certainly been–and still is–a growing to me and I tapped him on the leg to see if he woman who wound up being my wife. Her experience. We are nervously excited about the would go to the altar with me. He did and on name was Tisha Spencer. She was from the corn future. Excited about the tremendous potential that hot July evening in the open-air tabernacle country of Sioux Falls, SD. We were married I am convinced this church has; nervous about of Texhoma Baptist Youth Camp, I gave in to in the summer of 2003 and stuck around the tremendous burden of responsibility that what God was calling me to do. Heartland for one more year so that she could now rests on our shoulders. Our courage and finish college. solace are found in God’s proven track record Global Baptist Times: What was your Bible of accomplishing the impossible with the College experience? Global Baptist Times: How did you come to improbable. I pray it to be so in El Paso, TX. be at Hillcrest and what has been your work In 1999, I graduated from high school and there? went to Heartland Baptist Bible College in Oklahoma City, OK. Heartland was pretty new In 2004, Bill Mitchell came to Heartland and then and my first big meeting there was under hired us to come to Hillcrest Baptist Church in a great tent. Once again, it was hotter than a El Paso, TX, to work with teenagers. pistol in the muggy Oklahoma August heat. I We were afraid, but we knew God wanted can still remember all the preachers joking about us there. So, we packed up things in our little taking their coats off to preach because it was so apartment and moved out west to the desert. hot. My time at Heartland was truly a molding Man, we have loved it! Those early years at time for me. I was homesick and not quite as Hillcrest were some of the best of our lives. We surrendered as I thought I was. The prospect of made some great friends, saw the Lord do some leaving Oklahoma made me sick and I knew the amazing things in that youth department, and chances of something like that happening were saw the birth of our two little girls, Natalie and significant. At one point I was so discouraged Reagan. In 2009, our son, David, was born. Pastor Joe Dickinson and scared I had planned to quit. In fact, I had Over the years at Hillcrest, we have served enrolled at Oklahoma State University for the in the youth department, music ministry, and Hillcrest Baptist Church | El Paso, TX fall of the next year. But the Lord kept me at a handful of other associate-type roles. We The Baptist Times Road Map With the changes to the Baptist Times, I want you to know about the current road map. Each new Editor brings a new vision. In this case, that involves both format and content changes. While this first issue emphasizes format transformation, which will continue to evolve, content is where the most important changes will occur. I am excited about unveiling some new columns to help accomplish the sharpening described on the Editor’s page. The planned content is unique among independent Baptist publications and will make the real benefit of a Fellowship shine. To fulfill our vision, I have assembled a team of skilled, experienced editors and designers. No longer is it necessary to do the layout at the printer. The next issue will introduce this team of volunteers to you. My greatest plea is for your participation in the various requests for information. These will eventually be included in a “Coming Next” column solicited through the GIBF email list and are clearly noted as a Baptist Times Request in the subject line. The road map to producing the level of magazine from which I think you will benefit most is impossible without this participation. Please consider responding to those requests when received. Pastor Wayne Hardy, Editor 10
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and “faint not” is the condition. Even though our flesh wants to give up, we must not succumb the moderator’s memo to the weariness that is caused by discouraging things! Encouraged in the Lord | Frank Wood The fourth thing that can help us in the battle against discouragement is some rest veryone in ministry knows what it is like ourselves in the Lord. and relaxation. We need things like a day off to go through discouraging times (so I have found four things that can help a or a night out or even a vacation more than does everyone else). If you have not had person overcome discouragement. The first one we sometimes realize. Jesus said, “Come ye Eany times of discouragement, then I predict you is simply to count your blessings. This will not yourselves apart … and rest awhile.” He did not will. I hope discouragement and discouraging eliminate all of your problems, but it sure can command this because His disciples were not things will not characterize your ministry; change your perspective. I am convinced that busy with important things–on the contrary, however, some discouragement is inevitable for every Christian has far more blessings than they were so busy serving with Him that they all of us. problems and that our blessings are also greater hardly had time to sit down and eat. We all need In I Samuel 30, David and his men returned than our problems. We should take some time some times of rest and refreshing. to Ziklag and found the city burned and their to be thankful for all of the blessings we have in David encouraged himself in the Lord. If you wives and children taken away. Verse 4 tells us Christ as well as to enjoy the wonderful people have been in the ministry any length of time, that David and his men “wept, until they had no He has placed in our lives. you have probably learned to encourage yourself more power to weep.” I Samuel 30:6 says, “And Second, we need to continually cultivate our in Him as well. My prayer is that this article David was greatly distressed; for the people personal walk with the Lord by spending time has reminded you of some things and perhaps spake of stoning him … but David encouraged in prayer and in His Word. We must keep our shown you some things that will help you himself in The LORD.” He realized that he could hearts and minds clean and continue to share keep on keeping on for the Lord and continue not afford to wallow in his discouragement and our faith with others. It is also important that accomplishing great things for Him. despair. If he had, his men would probably have we immediately confess any sin that “creeps killed him, his family and their families would into” our lives that we might maintain our have lived as captives of the Amalekites, and fellowship and personal walk with Him. These David would have failed to fulfill God’s great things will cause us to have the joy of the Lord plans for his life and for his kingdom. and we know that “the joy of the LORD is your It is also very important that we do not give in strength.” to despair when discouraging things come into Discouragement is also defeated when we our lives. Satan uses discouragement to defeat meet the conditions that God has placed upon many of God’s servants and to hinder them in His promises. Nearly all of God’s promises the work God has given them to do. Statistics are conditional. Even the gift of salvation is have shown that summer can be a great time conditioned upon our repentance toward God of discouragement for pastors. It is during a and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Since “summer slump” that many pastors have decided discouragement causes us to want to let up or to move on to another ministry or even to leave give up or even quit, the discouraged person Pastor Frank Wood the ministry altogether. At these times, as well as must remember that “in due season we shall Whittier Lane Baptist Church | New Castle, IN at other times, we must be diligent to encourage reap, if we faint not.” “Shall reap” is the promise,
Global Baptist Times Classifieds
Anchor Baptist Church - Massillon, OH Fort Myers, FL Youth & Music Associate Wanted Associate Position Wanted GIBF church is seeking full-time man to do music Former Pastor and Music Evangelist seeking and youth, or youth and Assistant Pastor duties. a Church Associate opportunity. Contact: Pastor Mark Jacobs Contact: Dr. Norman H. Frink Phone: (330) 837-0101 Phone: (230) 217-0412 www.anchorbaptistchurch.net Email: [email protected]
Please contact the Global Baptist Times Editor to place an ad in the Global Baptist Times Classifieds: [email protected] 11
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Such phrases as “it matters little what you believe, it is the life that counts” give voice to reasons why such a presupposition. Another phrase, “faith and practice,” although less troubling, does seem The Importance of Doctrine | Josh Merrell to recognize the same supposed dichotomy. But does such a dichotomy exist? Can such hen I was first asked to write We can’t actually see if God’s true church, a distinction be drawn between what a man an article on “Reasons why who fellowship among and within the church believes and how he behaves? We think not. doctrine is important,” many groups, are being divided, but there is a very real Clearly, Paul thought otherwise in Romans ideasW came immediately to mind. There are, of possibility that they are! Although there may be 12:2, where he directly linked biblical thinking course, several obvious and compelling reasons a common Spirit uniting God’s people, there are with Christian living. James also makes the that doctrine must not only be defended by a great many physical barriers, emotional walls, same point in James 2:18, where he argues that apologists but also preached from our pulpits on and prejudicial blockades between the groups the only true evidence of faith is works. Thus, a regular basis. Among the most apparent are: that are difficult to overcome, and may easily in his mind it is impossible to divorce faith Doctrine Establishes a Standard – The affect true Christians. As a result of doctrinal from practice. Quite to the contrary, what one systematic organization and setting forth of division, friendships end, families are pulled practices is what one believes. the biblical position on any matter purports apart at the seams, character is assassinated, In the winter of 1934 Bibliotheca Sacra to establish a rule from which any deviation is and true Christian love and growth are being published three articles by Dr. Lewis Sperry considered an error. Without such a standard to stymied, all because of doctrine!” I, for one, Chafer on systematic theology. In the first serve as a guide, it would be nearly impossible to repudiate any brand of “universal church” he attempted to set forth in outline form an avoid drifting into dangerous territory. Doctrine drivel. Even if Mr. Lane’s definition were to unabridged systematic theology. In the second is to a life what lanes are to a road. It establishes be accepted, it would be counterproductive and third he elucidated Evils Resulting From an and marks off the area in which it is acceptable to his thesis. If the “true church” did consist Abridged Systematic Theology. As are most articles and safe to operate. of believers scattered throughout the various by Dr. Chafer, these are lucid and compelling. Doctrine Identifies– Once a theological road congregations worldwide, there would be no In his conclusion he says the following, “It is has been striped and the “lanes” established, way for them to find one another apart from the solemn conviction of more than one that anyone driving in the wrong “lane” can be doctrine. His panacea would forcibly consign had the great aspects of truth which are omitted identified and held to account. Doctrine does them to perpetual association with those he from courses of theology generally been taught just this sort of thing in the religious world. admits are not “God’s true church.” in the seminaries, the glory of God and the Theologians across the spectrum can be and, Doctrine Imposes Authority – In this we marvelous perfection of all His purposes and in fact, are identified by the group of doctrines strike at the root of modern opposition to works as set forth in the Scriptures would have that they espouse. Once it is determined that doctrine in general and to the preaching of it in been so impressed upon the students’ heart that a particular theologian or denomination has particular. The preaching of doctrine attempts there would have been little welcome accorded strayed from biblical orthodoxy, he/it can and to interpret and insert God’s mind and thus to the present rationalism which is blighting should be marginalized. His will onto a situation or potential situations. the church today.” Impossible as it was for him Doctrine Divides – The aforementioned Thus, those who deprecate doctrine do so in to have known where this lack of doctrinal point leads inexorably to this truth. Ecumenical an attempt to avoid having to submit to God’s instruction in systematic theology would lead attempts notwithstanding, two cannot walk authority. In opposition to this, it might be in Germany, those of us on this side of the together except they be agreed, which for those argued that said individuals are only averse to atrocities of the Second World War would do who know and love the truth is a welcome a particular interpretation of doctrine. But this well to heed his warning. Doctrine is important. reality. Unity at the expense of purity is both excuse is vacuous in light of the fact that they are “For as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he” unbiblical and unhealthy. The faithful, fervent not advocating a reinterpretation of doctrine, Prov. 23:7. declaration of the Bible’s position on various but the abolition of all doctrine. Jonathan matters serves to separate those on the side of Leeman hit the nail on the head when he said truth from those on the side of error. “the real problem is anti-authority-ism.” This Doctrine Unites – Although this point is self- should not be surprising in light of the fact that evident, it is often overlooked. If it is, as some “the campaign that Western culture has been suggest, an ‘evil’ that doctrine divides, why is it waging for several centuries for the individual not a commensurate ‘good’ that doctrine unites? has been a campaign waged against all forms of Why is it only injurious to the cause of Christ authority [emphasis added].” and not equally beneficial? Jack M. Lane decries Doctrine Determines Life – This is the divisive nature of doctrine with the following without doubt the single most important fact invective: “…God’s true church, His ecclesia, concerning doctrine. I will confess to being is the body of true believers whom God has somewhat troubled by the very question “why is called from around the world, many of whom doctrine important” for it seems to presuppose a congregate with other people in various church distinction within the realm of theology between groups. That being the case, what we see being what is purely intellectual/philosophical on the Pastor Josh Merrell divided are congregations of church groups. one hand and what is practical on the other. South Side Baptist Church | Weatherford, TX 12
the global BAPTIST TIMES GIBM report Assistant Director | Bob Lewis
“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, of missionary families and handling well over John went to heaven, Jen graduated from High that he will send forth labourers into his $1 million a year for them. On a global scale, School and college. She is now preparing for the harvest.” Matthew 9:38 we have barely scratched the surface. It is a MCAT to get into medical school. She has met challenge today just to maintain the ministries lots of young men, but Mr. Right hasn’t come e are so blessed to have a part that have already been created. We must pray along. Truth is all the kids have graduated from in church planting missionary that the lost condition of the multitudes weighs something. activity. We firmly believe that the heavy again on the hearts of the people of God. “Julie finished law school and is licensed workW of the Lord is done in, through, and by Times change, and people change, but God with the RI bar, the SC bar, and the NC bar. His churches. By some standards, success is no does not change. He is still seeking those who She received the ‘Compliat Award,’ and John longer gauged by souls saved, missionaries sent, will labor in His harvest. He is still seeking for was mentioned at her graduation. James got and churches planted. In successful missionary His churches to see the field as He sees it and his master’s degree and his CPA license. Jason work, there must be a positive mental attitude respond with compassion and obedience to His joined the Navy and received the ‘Sailor of about the things that are clearly emphasized in Word. the Year Award’ over his fleet of five ships. He the Word of God. finished electronics school and is trying to get No doctrine in the Word of God is repeated “Shall we look upon the graves of our into officers’ school. The boys have both gotten more often than the doctrine of global missionaries and say that Christ’s cause is married. We now have 3 grandchildren. Pray evangelism. Few candidates for the ministry dead? As you turn over the long roll and that all will give their lives to God. eagerly say, “I am going to be a missionary!” read the names of one after another who “I now live alone. Everyone was with me Even though global soul winning and church now sleeps in Jesus, shall you say, ‘Let us for Christmas. Oh, how I missed John but I planting are, and always have been, the burden of close the door of the missions house! Let find comfort in the sovereignty of God. Psalm priority that Jesus commanded to His churches, us cease our offerings. It is clear that the 116:5” ninety percent of the Christian workers are still case is hopeless and the cause can never in the Americas, where only ten percent of the have success!” ~ Charles Spurgeon world’s population resides. Evidence indicates that many distant countries have had strong and Some of you remember that a few years ago I sometimes flourishing ministries in the past but went to Baghdad twice. On the second trip in now empty pulpits and struggling congregations 2004 I went with my friend and co-worker John dot the horizon. Kelley to attempt to plant a church. He was shot We must pray the Lord of the harvest for and killed. Over the years, many people have laborers to reach our generation. Global asked me about his family and particularly Independent Baptist Missions does not recruit about his widow. I have kept silent to allow laborers, we pray for them. We plead for them. them their privacy, but I thought now would be We beg God to send them. It is our mission a good time to share with you a little personal to help, encourage, and strengthen the ones He glimpse of Jane Kelley and family. does send. She is a peach and works for CLA in Just a few short years ago, with little in the Clearwater, FL. My wife and I received a card way of support or personnel, God allowed earlier this year from Jane Kelley including a Liberty Baptist Church, Lewisville, TX, to picture of her with her family. The card included Bob Lewis, Assistant Director begin a project of helping missionaries and this report on the family: GIBM | Lewisville, TX their churches. Now, we are helping dozens “The Lord is good! Life marches on! Since 13
the global BAPTIST TIMES GIBF missionary updates
nine Bibles to those who came four weeks in a row. We enjoy the opportunity to teach these students and know the Word of God will not return void. Several need to be saved and others need to get their spiritual life on biblical track!
Russell & Janet Brinkley Jason & Arlen Stevens Scotland Honduras It’s hard to believe, but it’s been three years since On May 11, we had our first discipleship class. we started the Bible Baptist Church in Perth on We started this class primarily for the men from May 4, 2008. Today, we have a small group of “Que Brada de Lajas” who recently got saved, but believers but they are the core of the church. we also allow members from the main church We are so thankful we have the opportunity to John & Wanda Casias plant to come if they desire to. On the evening minister to them. That is why we are here! Bible Mexico of our first class, we had a total of eight students, Baptist Church held its very first baptismal Oscar is an ex-cartel criminal I led to Jesus and we expect that number to increase in the service on May 15, 2011. We borrowed the three weeks ago. He had been working on the coming weeks. On another note regarding “Que facilities of another church and were thrilled U.S. border when he was deported. He fled Brada de Lajas,” we recently met with a man to have 4 first-time visitors and 27 total in to hide from his cartel bosses and ended up in who is selling land in that area, and we found attendance. Brenda Lacey accepted Christ after El Cercado, where his dad lives. His dad attends an area what we believe would be a perfect place receiving a John/Romans packet in her mail one of our churches. Oscar has a wife and baby to have a church building in that community. slot. She is a direct result of the efforts by the girl, and his wife is pregnant again. He knows he Our family and Pastor Lane are praying about youth group from Temple Baptist Church in is on the hit list to be killed. But praise our Lord the Lord’s will and leading in this matter, and we Flower Mound, TX, who helped us during their that He had other plans for this young family. ask that you please make this a matter of prayer missions trip to Scotland last summer. It was a Please pray for rain in the villages in San Luis on our behalf. very special day for the church. Potosi. If it doesn’t rain soon, the water tank (pond) will dry up and all their animals will die. Drinking water for the villagers is rationed to one barrel per family per week.
Monte and Krista Barlow Adam & Christina McGeorge Slovenia Nauru We had put out a major push for our work in On Feb. 27, we had our building dedication and a new area. The result was no new contacts at invited all the employees of the construction Christopher & Victoria Hunter all. However, God has blessed and we have been company who built the building to attend. We Philippines able to see five first-time visitors we had been were unsure how many would come and were By the grace of God, we had our graduation talking to for some time. One of those, Anita, quite amazed when we had 73 at church, 31 ceremonies here at our church. To God be has stuck and has not missed since her first visit. of whom were first-time visitors! About 15 of the glory we had 46 students who enrolled in She is young and full of questions. As she learns, the workers came, some with their families. our church school this year. Out of the 46, we she completely absorbs the truth of God’s Word. Rocky and Merhonda were two souls who were had 20 who graduated. I was able to preach a She has learned of her need for salvation and saved after hearing and heeding the message of message on salvation and gave the parents an is very close to making a decision. Mojca has salvation. Please pray for their spiritual growth opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord recently started calling it her Bible study to her and for other souls who still need to be saved. and personal Savior. Praise the Lord, the parents Catholic priest friends. She asks great questions Part way into the new school year the High responded with soft hearts. We also have two and is excited to learn what the Bible has to say School recently restarted Religious Instruction families that will be baptized next Sunday! We to her. Just a few weeks ago, our son Micah, after (R.I.) classes, which the churches on Nauru are are averaging 220 in attendance every Sunday! struggling with some things, finally settled his welcome to teach. So far we have had between Praise the Lord! salvation. We have already seen a change in his 9 and 12 students come and have given away spirit concerning a desire to do right. 14
the global BAPTIST TIMES you can’t cut it down! Church Planting in the Pacific Northwest | Rich Farinella
sound like a cannon shot caused me I answered. “We plan on erecting a beautiful to stop playing with the boys that church building with landscaped surroundings morning and venture outside to that will enhance the neighborhood.” investigate.A We were in the midst of two storms– “Yes,” my angry neighbor continued. “But I one of the severest ice storms I had ever seen in purchased my real estate with this greenery next this area of Washington and a storm of protest to it. I’m not happy about having a church next from neighbors objecting to our plans to build door.” a church in this scenic neighborhood. So, the “Well, the only way you can ensure what sound had aroused my curiosity. happens to the land next door is to buy it We had started the church on this undeveloped yourself! Since we bought it, we will do with four-plus acres, where we had already placed the it what we want to. But, believe me, you’ll mobile home in which we lived and erected an be pleased with the outcome. We’ll be very oversized garage to use for a temporary meeting conscientious of the neighborhood.” place of Woodin Valley Baptist Church while we We had many such conversations over the prepared to build a new sanctuary. This seemed course of time. I especially remember the to be an ideal location. When we purchased spirited discourse I engaged in when Doug came the land to build on, we weren’t prepared for over to the property to appeal to me NOT to the unbelievable opposition, hoops to jump remove a particular tree. It was a beautiful white through, and county regulations we needed pine that had grown to an impressive eighty or a giant gripped the tree and purposely snapped to fulfill in order to merely clear blueprints to ninety feet. The trunk was so big that one man it off and threw it down in anger. I quickly ran secure permits. Nor were we ready for the intense couldn’t put his arms around it. It occupied the to bring Doug over to witness the broken tree. animosity we experienced from our neighbors as very area where the future building was to go. “Now, Doug, I didn’t do that! I just wanted they banded together, hiring a land use lawyer I had to agree that the majestic beauty of this you to know that it wasn’t my fault. (I was to block our application for a conditional use one plant contributed to its surroundings, but, enjoying this scene a little too much!) Now, permit allowing the operation of a church in beautiful or not, a church was slated to take we can erect the church building around the their community. They were serious. The gloves that very place–a church that would disclose the stump if you’d like….” He didn’t say a word. He came off. We tried–or so I thought–to make eternal beauty and love of God to a fallen race, couldn’t! God took the tree out! good faith efforts to inform the neighborhood bringing Him ultimate glory. Of course, Doug And such it was for so many instances of the by hosting a vision meeting where we informally wasn’t looking at it as I did. He said, “Rich, it Lord standing up for His church here. He has shared our future plans to develop the lot from would be a crime to cut this tree down!” removed obstacles to His will that were just as trees and shrubs into a beautifully landscaped I retorted, “What would you like us to do, ‘secure’ as that white pine. When Jesus said, church property. build the church building around it?” “All power is given unto me in heaven and in To this day, I don’t know what they were all Well, I didn’t want to completely disregard his earth,” He meant it and certainly uses all of His up in arms about. We increased the land values words. That was certainly not the best way to creation to support His will. of the area by providing a community worship build a long lasting relationship with a neighbor place, neighborhood community post for who would be around a long time. But I didn’t voting stations, Boy and Girl Scouts, wedding know what to do. The white pine stood in the chapel, etc. for the surrounding citizens. The way of our ultimate goal. church has always been kept in the motif of It was no more than 24 hours later that the well-groomed surrounding real estate. the damaging ice storm hit. Unusual for this If anything, properties in the neighborhood place, where the median winter temperature is have been enhanced. But prior to securing the about 36 degrees, the storm brought particular conditional use permit allowing a church in the devastation to power lines and plants that grew neighborhood, it was an uphill battle all the way. heavy with the added ice formation weight. I clearly remember the conversation with a Then, “Crack!”–a sound like some kind of next-door neighbor named Doug prior to our muffled explosion. I put on some boots and clearing timber off the areas where the church walked toward the noise. I couldn’t believe my building and parking lot would go. eyes. That great white pine had snapped off “Rich, you can’t clear this vegetation and take about thirty feet up and was laid beside the Pastor Rich Farinella down these beautiful trees!” massive stump in the ground. The weight of the Woodin Valley Baptist Church | Woodinville, WA “Well, we purchased the property for just that,” ice took it down! Actually, it looked more like 15
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2010-2011 School Year was Special | Sam Davison
he school year just completed was he would also serve as Dean of Men and his wife a really good year, for which we give would serve as the Dean of Women. They would thanks to God. I’m not sure I (or we both have classroom teaching duties, as well. Tat Heartland Baptist Bible College) can put a Their Heartland ministry actually began the last Sam Davison, President finger on precisely why. semester of the 1997-1998 school year at Pacific Heartland Baptist Bible College | OKC, OK The attitude of the entire student body was Coast Baptist Bible College in San Dimas, CA. good throughout the year, but then that is The Jetts moved with the college to Oklahoma usually the case. City. To move from a “comfortable” pastorate in It is a tremendous testimony to their We had a really good senior class. The class Wyoming to California, then to Oklahoma in a dedication that both Bro. and Mrs. Jett earned seemed to be interested not only in each other, six-month period could have been a traumatic their Doctorate in Biblical Counseling from but also in having a heart for those behind them. experience. In reflection, however, I can see Beth Haven Baptist Institute in Oklahoma City. Yet, when I stop to think about it, I cannot recall clearly that the Lord was their strength. Space Their class work, studies, research, and training ever talking about a bad senior class. does not allow a detailed list of the physical happened while they were fulfilling all normal Actually, in recent years it has been noticed health challenges the family has dealt with in duties on campus and at Southwest Baptist by faculty, staff, and the administration that the the past fourteen years. Yet, they have never Church. new students each fall have impressed us in a complained nor shirked their duties; in fact, In a recent visit with Bro. Jett, he shared good way. It just seems that we have noticed they have, in every situation, given attention and with me how accepting the Dean’s role at fewer students whose attendance at Heartland priority to their work over personal concerns. Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in the spring Baptist Bible College is questionable. There It goes without saying that the role of the semester of 1998 was a step of faith, a big step seems to be a noticeable maturity in purpose deans is among the most demanding in Bible of faith. Why? “I had no clue what a Dean of and an increase in the percentage who know College life. It is far more than enforcing rules Students was supposed to do,” he said to me. why they are here. But the Jetts learned along the Perhaps you can tell by these way. Of course, we all learn along brief paragraphs that it isn’t the way. They are the first to necessarily easy to pinpoint acknowledge that, like the rest of all that has made the year a us in whatever role we fill, some special year. We just know it of the learning happens when we has been, and we are thankful. see our mistakes and what needs A good school year any to be corrected and/or changed year is not entirely because or improved. To observe the of the caliber of the students. growth and progress in the work While always recognizing of Jamie and Vickie Jett has been the blessings of the Lord a blessing. I am confident their and that every good thing is work has played a significant part from Him, another piece of in the kind of school year just the puzzle regarding human completed. involvement has to do with Jamie and Vickie Jett In the coming school year, Bro. Heartland personnel. In the Dean of Students | Heartland Baptist Bible College Jett will be investing in the life of last issue of the Baptist Times, a 2005 graduate, Nathan Heckle, I acknowledged as much and who is currently pursuing his mentioned the positive impact made by the and exercising discipline. The Jetts have also been master’s degree. The Lord helping, Bro. Jett will Executive Vice President and his wife, Jeff and like another set of parents to some students. The be passing on what he knows and has learned Pam Copes. This time, I wish to call attention to goal has not just been dishing out disciplinary so that our next Dean of Students will be able the stellar work over the past thirteen and a half hours, etc. No, the Jetts have, in my estimation, to fill that vital position “with a clue.” In God’s school years of our Dean of Students, Jamie Jett, grown and increased in their desire to minister timing, the role of the Jetts will be classroom and his wife, Vickie, our Dean of Women. to students, to help them overcome the obstacles teaching and providing biblical counseling to Bro. Jett left the pastorate in Evanston, WY, with regard to self-discipline, to help them grow students. We are also looking to the Jetts to to accept the Dean of Students position, where in faith and grace, to counsel and encourage. (Continued, p. 16) 16
the global BAPTIST TIMES biblical preaching A Quest for the Intent of the Biblical Author | Jason Gaddis
to tracking a coon through the middle of the text is neither a conventional introduction to night. It is my job as a preacher to hunt down a sermon on a largely different theme, nor a the central idea—wherever that pursuit may lead convenient peg on which to hang a ragbag of me. Sure, I suppose I could choose a passage and miscellaneous thoughts, but a master which never really deal with it. I could come up with dictates and controls what is said” (Between Two my own ideas about the text or topic. I could Worlds, pg. 126). even bark really loudly about it! Yet, if I am not This has been my goal as I began preaching intent on delivering the intent of the biblical at Southwest Baptist Church. I do not want Author, I am barking up the wrong tree. I must to give the dear people of the church my ideas follow the idea of the biblical Author, since it about life; I desire to demonstrate how the truth reveals the mind of God. I must arrive at God’s of the passage intersects with their daily lives. intent no matter where pursuing it may take me. Therefore, I must be square with the intent of I have lost a fair amount of sleep in the process, the biblical Author. I am currently preaching but it has been worth it. Let me briefly explain through Genesis on Sunday mornings. My Pastor Jason Gaddis what I mean—in hopes that effort each week in the text Southwest Baptist Church | Oklahoma City, OK doing so will encourage you “I must follow the is to preach in such a way to set out on a quest for the that if Moses himself were intent of the biblical Author idea of the biblical present, he would say, “Yes, ome of my fondest childhood memories every time you preach. Author, since it reveals that is what I intended.” involve coon hunting with my dad in the In his book, Invitation to It should be the quest hills and “hollers” of Kentucky. If you Biblical Preaching, Donald the mind of God.” of today’s preacher to Shave never been coon hunting, you have missed Sunukjian writes, “The Bible identify the subject and out on one of life’s most rewarding experiences. is God’s voice, spanning the ages. The role of complement(s) of whatever passage he is There is nothing like hearing a coonhound the biblical preacher is to echo that voice in this preaching. In other words, he must deal with bawl (somewhere between a bark and a howl) generation” (pg. 9). The role of the preacher is the question or issue (the subject) addressed in while tracking a coon. I can still hear it now! then the role of a herald. As a herald, he is not to the passage. He must then present the answer If we were hunting with a good dog, he would create his own message. He is to deliver the one or solution (the complement) supplied in the track the coon wherever it would go. This often entrusted to him. It is for that reason that the passage. This is hard work! It might even keep meant crossing creeks, fields, fences and miles of preacher must make it his mission to discover you up at night tracking it down. Yet this is one territory. Eventually, most coons climb a tree. It the intent of the biblical Author. While we of the most rewarding experiences of life. It is was then the dog’s job to bark up the tree until often discuss preaching in terms of the sermon’s even more exciting than coon hunting. To arrive we arrived. In most cases, it was quite a quest to approach–topical, textual, and expository–the at the intent of the biblical Author, you will have locate the coon. I have lost a fair share of sleep real issue is not so much the length of the passage to cross language barriers, cultural differences, tracking a coon! as it is the way in which the preacher deals with time chasms, and miles of other hermeneutical In the years since my boyhood, I have found the passage. He must be true to what the original territory. You must follow the writer’s intent, something more exhilarating than coon hunting: writer intended to convey. John Stott said it this even if it takes you in a different direction Bible preaching. I am sure at this point you may way: “The size of the text is immaterial, so long than you thought it would. But, oh, the joy of be wondering what, if any, connection there as it is biblical. What matters is what we do with barking up the right tree! It is enough to make might be between the two. Granted, there are not it. Whether it is long or short, our responsibility a preacher bawl! What a delight to be able to many similarities. However, I find the tracking as expositors is to open it up in such a way that stand before a congregation and to say, “Listen of the central idea of the text (affectionately it speaks its message clearly, plainly, accurately, to what God is saying to us!” referred to as the “CIT” in the Homiletics class relevantly, without addition, subtraction or at Heartland Baptist Bible College) to be similar falsification. In expository preaching the biblical
“Heartland” appreciation for the Jetts have themselves now Bro. Dave Lydick, the most recent editor. God develop a more extensive biblical counseling matured enough to recognize the difficulty of bless you both for your exceptional work. We course, perhaps offering a minor in biblical the Jetts’ task and have expressed appreciation also purpose to pray for Bro. Wayne Hardy, counseling. As you have opportunity, give a for the Jetts’ investment in their own lives. who has begun as new editor, and we appreciate word of encouragement to these servants of Finally, along with many others, we at the opportunity given to Heartland Baptist God. Heartland Baptist Bible College express Bible College to communicate through this Many students who passed through their appreciation for this space to Bro. Rich means. Heartland Baptist Bible College days with little Farinella, the first Baptist Times editor, and to 17
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based on a church’s weekly attendance. Note that bus ministries are not mentioned, so figures may be based on churches without bus ministries. Once again, this is the total outlay including all perks. Attendance Salary 100 or fewer $55,000 100-300 $72,000 300-500 $88,000 500-750 $102,000 The total outlay of a church budget for salaries (total compensation) is normally forty to sixty percent. Below forty percent suggests below average salaries and over sixty percent, above average salaries. Small churches (fewer than 100) with one staff member (Pastor) are more likely to be between fifty and sixty percent. In addition, though figures vary widely, a church could expect to have one staff the preacher’s study member for approximately 125 people. By staff, the reference is to ministry people only, not Compensation Part I | Dr. Dave Hardy including support personnel. The addition of graphic arts people and other technical skills y wife, Grace, and I both come says it is “good.” One of the benefits of starting tends to skew the numbers. The second man on from poor backgrounds, financially with little or even nothing is the appreciation the staff receives sixty to seventy percent of what speaking. We remember times that comes with enlargement. I eventually had the Pastor makes. Mwhen it would have been difficult to say that our to put a cap on what Eastland wanted to do for Money is the most universal of all tools. It parents were compensated fairly. After WWII, us to keep the financial picture in balance. can be traded for most anything under the sun. my dad dug ditches for the city of Waco, TX, Compensation can be too much, as well as too It can be exchanged with foreign currencies and was hardly paid enough to put food on the little. The term begs for balance and equality. In providing goods in other countries making it table. We lived anywhere we could that afforded Luke 10:7, Jesus said “…the laborer is worthy especially helpful for the missionary. It is also a roof over our heads. I was six before my dad of his hire…” We might say, “A day’s work for dangerous. Religious leaders list money as one was able to buy an old used car. Twelve years a day’s pay.” Conversely, Paul said that those of the two greatest temptations that can destroy later, my net pay, after completing boot camp who do not work should not eat (2 Tim. 3:10). a man’s ministry. Theologians have long been in the U.S. Navy, was $35 a week. We lived Here again is the idea of equality or balance. intrigued with its subtle ability to become an on it, but had no car for two years. Ten years People who labor should be compensated, but idol. Jesus saw this possibility and referred to later, after Bible College and three years as an those who do not labor have nothing to be money as a master. He further warned: “…Ye Associate Pastor, I became Pastor of Eastland compensated for. Just showing up to work does cannot serve God and mammon” (Lk. 16:13). Baptist Church for $70 a week. not translate into labor or productivity. The Proper Compensation: A place somewhere Those were not easy times financially, but Pastor or any knowledge worker is especially between having so little that it causes a man they were really good times. God was faithful to vulnerable in this area. He normally sets his to steal and having so much he forgets God make sure our needs were always met. It would own priorities, which leaves room for slackness. (Prov. 30:9). be easy to exhaust the words allotted me for this How much money should a man make or, column to brag on God, His provision and what maybe more interestingly for this readership, He taught us during those years. Not only did how much should a Pastor make? In fairness we discover that God continually met our needs, to the principle—he should make what he but also we found that joy and contentment produces. The Scripture says those who “preach came with it. God used finances as a tool to the gospel should live of the gospel” (I Cor. teach us about real needs versus perceived needs. 9:14). How well he should live has to do with The financial situation improved for my how well he works. I Timothy 5:17 says, “Let dad, as well as for us. As Eastland began to the elders that rule well be counted worthy grow in number, maturity and finances, we of double honor….” Certainly, the church’s became benefactors. Thinking back now, I am context will have some bearing on its growth, convinced that beginning with virtually nothing but for the most part, it will be based on the and watching God provide was far better than Pastor’s performance, humanly speaking. having it all up front. Lamentations 3:27 says: Below are some figures from the Compensation “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in Handbook for Church Staff 2009. The numbers Dr. Dave Hardy, Pastor@Large his youth.” It doesn’t say “if he has to,” it just are the total pay package, including insurance, Bible Baptist Church | Stillwater, OK 18
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the Lord’s way, and don’t make it more difficult than the Bible does. The standards we set for the family in ministry our children will help them if they are biblical standards. However, if those standards are Living in a Glass House | Aaron Denson made to please the brethren they will become very heavy and discouraging for our children. I y son’s Sunday School teacher that encompasses, the quicker we can teach our would rather please the Lord and keep my child’s literally threw a fit as she confronted children. heart than please people who expect more from me, her intensity immediately This is Divine by design because God has my children than they ever did from their own. Mgrabbing my attention. Concerned that he was structured it that way. Paul instructed Timothy When considering principles to raise your not being obedient, cooperative, and respectful with the qualifications of a bishop and deacon, children, keep in mind that circumstances may as his mother and I were teaching him to be, otherwise known as a spiritual leader. Key aspects change, but principles don’t. You may change I asked what he had done. “He crawled under of those qualifications deal with our testimony your approach to raising your children because the table during the lesson.” Okay, but it must or reputation among the brethren and lost of changing circumstances, but the principles have been much more to have caused such community–in other words, what people see on which you make that decision should never a stir. I asked what else he had done. “That’s and perceive inside the church and outside. It change. My children are sinners. My children it. He crawled under the table during the is, no doubt, a very high road–the King’s need to be saved. They need to be taught the lesson.” Did he come out from under the highway. We preach to our Gospel. My children struggle with the same table when asked? “Yes.” Surely, there people that where God types of things every other child struggles with. was more. What else did he do? guides, He provides. So, They need to be taught to respect authority, not “That’s it, but he crawled under if He sets high standards because dad is a preacher but because the Bible the table. It was a distraction for spiritual leaders, He says to. They need to learn quick obedience, to the rest of the class.” I will provide a way for not because dad is Pastor but because God said thanked her and said I us to live up to those that it was right. My children need to learn would take care of it. Please qualifications. responsibility, not because dad is a Pastor but understand something: my One of my because it is necessary to be functional in their son was three years old, and concerns is respective lives. the Sunday School teacher who that my children The difference between my children and other was so intensely disturbed had become frustrated children is that mine have been privileged to be two teenage children who were that they are always set as an example of what a home should be completely unruly, disrespectful set as a standard because they are the Pastor’s children. They must and disobedient. because they are be examples of obedient and respectful children Welcome to the ministry! the “preacher’s if I am to fulfill the qualification of being the I mention this incident to kids.” Our ruler of my home. I can either complain about illustrate a point you must understand children are still God’s opportunity or embrace it by God’s grace. and expect to deal with. Both inside young enough that I look at it like I do the Gospel. It is a privilege the church and outside, expectations this hasn’t happened often, to share the Gospel and a privilege to be in the will always be higher for the Pastor and his but we try to remind them that God position of having higher expectations. I praise family and for the pastoral staff. I believe planned and designed their lives in eternity Him that I can share the Gospel instead of being this is a product of both human misconception past. He placed them in our family. He called one who is out there waiting for it to be shared and Divine design. them to obey and respect their parents. There (Continued p. 19) It is human misconception because we is grace to fulfill their role. We are not live in a glass house. Our lives are on display victims. God’s children may suffer and face as leaders, especially as spiritual leaders, and difficult circumstances, but as His children we therefore people have in their minds that we are already victorious in Christ. We have to are different. Because we stand in front of remember that. When we believe it, we will pass them consistently proclaiming spiritual truths, that idea to our children, constantly reminding they perceive us as not facing the same spiritual them of God’s goodness to us because of His call struggles with which they wrestle. I can on our life. It is our responsibility to teach our understand this; I have had similar thoughts children that we have an opportunity to be used about spiritual heroes in my life. Some of the by God. What a privilege! Our children will greatest moments of disappointment in my see how we deal with the ministry much more spiritual life have been when I discovered those I clearly than how we speak of the ministry. God looked up to also had problems. Obviously, that help us all to be living examples. is not fair nor is it mature, but it is a reality. The I would also say that the road we travel with people we serve are just that, people. The our children needs to be a biblical road, not a Pastor Aaron Denson quicker we learn and accept our role with joy road established for us and our family by the Bethany Baptist Church | Lubbock, TX and with the reality of Whom we serve and what whims of God’s people. Don’t compromise 19
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and especially grateful for those who have stood by us financially. We pledge to continue a strong effort to produce students who know how to skillfully handle the Word of God and who are able to preach the Word of God with His anointing and power. Education majors will be given the classroom skills they need and will learn how to train up a generation to know God as well as their academic subjects. These students lorida Baptist College is ever grateful for curriculum, staff placement, and the practical will have 360 hours of in-class experience by the the abundant blessings we have received programs at FBC helps to keep the programs time they graduate. Support staff will learn how at the hand of God. Though we are fresh and current. This process allows input to stand by the man of God in doing what needs Falways seeking to advance the cause of Christ from professors, staff, and administration to be done to lead the Lord’s church forward. through Florida Baptist College, we know that and also enhances our “practicum” program, If you would like to know more about Florida each step must be a process of following the which is a strong part of the over-all program Baptist College (a ministry of West Gate Baptist Lord’s leadership and being willing to accept at Florida Baptist College. The “practicum” Church, Tampa, FL), please visit our website: his direction. Looking back over the year, we allows students to get hands-on experience in www.floridabaptistcollege.com. are reminded of all of the blessings God has preparing and planning for weddings, funerals, It is our privilege to be part of God’s will and provided. In each victory, we have sought to specials events, baptisms, church law, church program for training Christian workers. May give praise, and in each difficulty we have sought construction and much more. Recently, an God bless all of you who are involved in real to understand God’s direction and walk in it. FBC graduate took control of the baptismal biblical training, which will enhance the work FBC has been blessed in finishing our sixth service in the church where he serves. The pastor of our local churches in reaching the world for year of operation and to graduate our sixth had fallen and injured his arm and the first Christ. graduating class. The graduation services were baptismal service in the church’s new baptistry exciting and the preaching tremendous. Scott was scheduled. The young graduate, who had Naill, pastor of Faith Baptist Church of Wesley baptized many times during his education at Chapel, FL, (a church plant of West Gate Baptist FBC, skillfully performed the baptism. The Church), Bob Hargis, pastor of Solid Rock church was impressed at this recent graduate’s Baptist Church in Pendleton, IN, and student ability to do what he had been taught. preachers from Florida Baptist College provided Another strong program of Florida Baptist a morning full of great preaching. Pastor Merv College is the “Book by Book” approach to Goodrick, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church teaching the Word of God. Rather than taking of Lincoln, NE, brought the graduation message a doctrine and attaching a few memorized in the evening. He challenged our graduates and verses, the “Book by Book” approach seeks to remaining students to be willing to be broken in find the culture, characters, content (subjects), order to be used of God. concepts (doctrine), and Christ in each book It seems the summer months should be a of the Bible. This program allows each student time of total rest and relaxation. However, the to have an over-all outline of the Bible and a wheels are already grinding as we re-evaluate strong familiarity with the Bible as a whole. Bruce E. Turner, Chancellor the ministry and prepare our classrooms Florida Baptist College is grateful for the Florida Baptist College | Tampa, FL for fall semester. Annual re-evaluation of faithful pastors who have stood by us in prayer
“Family in Ministry” with me. I praise God that He has worked those we serve, our children will naturally adopt aren’t allowed to be “kids.” Our children also in my life to the point that I know there is that view. I feel that a proper grasp of our role face expectations in vocational choices. People a standard to live by and I know there is an of Pastor ought to be a balanced biblical view. seem to rejoice at whatever field a young person answer to my problems. There is a world that is We ought not to think too highly of ourselves, chooses, even if it is not following in daddy’s watching us. We could be the ones watching, though we should strive to meet the standards footsteps. Not so for preachers’ kids, who but instead we are ones God has privileged and God has set for us. somehow are a disappointment if they don’t chosen to live the example of higher standards At the end of the day, it is my desire that my choose a pastoral vocation. and expectations. children follow God’s call and leading in their Accept both the human misconception and For most people, their careers are what they lives. A wise man said once, “If you raise your the Divine design and learn to trust the Lord do, not who they are. For us, that would be children right, it will be one of the most difficult with our children and teach them to trust God a difficult statement because who we are and things you ever do.” I concur. Raising children with their lives. Then, we can be content and what we do are so intertwined. I think so is difficult enough in itself, but, as Pastors, we our children secure–no matter what the Sunday many of our children’s ideas come from our face the additional difficulty of people always School teacher thinks. attitude. If we set ourselves up as being above holding our children to a higher standard. They 20
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Alaska Mira Mesa Bible Baptist Church Louisiana Midlands Bible Baptist Church Bible Baptist Church Pastor Willie M. Del Central Baptist Church Pastor Dave Lydick Pastor Douglas Duffett 9920 Scripps Lake Dr. Ste. 101 Pastor Bob Nolan 2407 Chandler Rd. E. 32 Adak Ave. San Diego, CA 92131 105 Hummingbird Ln. Bellevue, NE 68005 Fairbanks, AK 99701 P: (858) 527-1801 LaFayette, LA 70506 (402) 731-5932 (907) 341-1407 F: (858) 527-1802 (337) 984-3384 www.midlandsbbc.org www.biblebaptistfairbanks.com www.mmbbc.net Minnesota New York Arizona Colorado Eastside Bible Baptist Church Open Door Bible Baptist Church Cornerstone Baptist Church Table Mountain Baptist Church Pastor Edward Penner Pastor Pete Montoro Pastor Terry Randolph Pastor Randy Conway 6215 Oliver Ave. S. 30-85 35th St. 4041 E. Phelps Rd. 16735 W. 63rd Pl. Richfield, MN 55423 Astoria, NY 11105 Phoenix, AZ 85032 Golden, CO 80403 (612) 869-5821 (718) 728-4410 (601) 867-2700 (303) 277-1125 www.odbbc.org www.azcornerstone.org www.tablemountainbaptist.org Missouri Bible Baptist Church Buckley Road Baptist Church East Mesa Baptist Church Florida Pastor Kent Hogan Pastor Dan Smith Pastor F.M. Hughes Temple Baptist Church 800 S. Baker Blvd. 4962 Buckley Rd. 752 S. Ellsworth Rd. Pastor Chester Thrift Carthage, MO 64836 Liverpool, NY 13088 Mesa, AZ 85208 730 Lexington Ave. (417) 358-4394 (315) 457-0570 (408) 986-9827 Deltona, FL 32725 www.bbccarthage.com www.buckleyrbc.org www.eastmesabaptistchurch.com (386) 668-9171 www.templebaptistdeltona.org Berean Baptist Church North Carolina California Pastor Jeff Ables Fellowship Baptist Church Lancaster Baptist Church Indiana 507 E. Norton Rd. Pastor Steve Triplett Pastor Paul Chappell Cornerstone Baptist Church Springfield, MO 65803 11416 Albemarle Rd. 4020 E. Lancaster Blvd. Pastor Don Mitchell (417) 833-1529 Charlotte, NC 28227 Lancaster, CA 93535 10701 E. 56th St. www.thebereanbaptistchurch.org (704) 545-9668 (661) 946-4663 Indianapolis, IN 46235 www.lancasterbaptist.org (317) 823-6897 Montana Ohio www.cbcindy.net Liberty Baptist Church Cleveland Baptist Church Lighthouse Baptist Church Pastor Rick DeMato Pastor Kevin Folger Pastor Jim Preston Crossroads Baptist Church PO Box 911 4431 Tiedeman Rd. 12140 Indian St. Pastor Guy Solarek (Sierra & Greenmeadow Dr.) Brooklyn, OH 44144 Moreno Valley, CA 92557 1120 S. Arlington Ave. Helena, MT 59602 (216) 671-2822 (951) 924-5094 Indianapolis, IN 46203 (406) 458-6300 www.clevelandbaptist.org www.mvlbc.com (317) 357-2971 www.lbchelena.com www.cbcindy.com Celina Baptist Temple Bible Baptist Church Nebraska Pastor Steve Clayton Pastor Larry Obero Lighthouse Baptist Church Heartland Baptist Church PO Box 29 2432 E. 18th St. Pastor Daniel W. Tidd Pastor Denis Gruber 7505 Celina-Mendon Rd. National City, CA 91950 6950 E. Raymond St. 411 Black Hills Ave. Ste. 1 Celina, OH 45822 (619) 267-3761 Indianapolis, IN 46239 Alliance, NE 69301 (419) 586-3646 www.biblebaptistsd.org (317) 359-4275 (308) 760-0378 www.celinabaptisttemple.org www.lbcindy.com www.sowinginalliance.org Liberty Baptist Church Oklahoma Pastor Dwight Tomlinson Whittier Lane Baptist Church Fellowship Baptist Church Calvary Baptist Church 1000 Bison Ave. Pastor Frank Wood Pastor Merv Goodrick Pastor Jerry McDonald Newport Beach, CA 92660 1371 Whittier Ln. 1515 W. South St. PO Box 834 (949) 760-5444 New Castle, IN 47362 Lincoln, NE 68522 Eufaula, OK 74432 www.libertybaptistchurch.org (765) 529-2454 (402) 477-7541 (918) 689-9403 www.whittierlanebaptist.org www.fbclincoln.com www.calvarybaptistministries.net 21
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Central Baptist Church Landmark Baptist Church Woodin Valley Baptist Church Dr. Jerry McDonald Pastor John Waterloo Pastor Chad Spence Pastor Rich Farinella Calvary Baptist Ministries 1732 E. Coleman Rd. PO Box 69 5400 228th St. S.E. PO Box 834 Ponca City, OK 74604 Red Oak, TX 75154 Bothell, WA 98021 Eufaula, OK 74432 (580) 765-5840 (972) 576-3180 (425) 481-1075 (918) 689-9403 www.cbcponca.org www.landmark-baptist.org www.woodinvalleybaptist.org www.calvarybaptistministries.net
Southwest Baptist Church Virginia Canada Jewish End-Time Ministries Pastor Jason Gaddis Landmark Baptist Church Eglise Biblique Baptiste Worldwide Mission Opportunities 1300 SW 54th St. Pastor Don Sumpter Pastor Robert Stevens Free High Quality Jewish Tracts Oklahoma City, OK 73119 4000 Creighton Rd. 971 Rue Gibraltat Jewish Evangelism Training (405) 682-1491 Richmod, VA 23223 Sherbrooke, QC J1N 2G2 KJV-Local Church Centered www.southwestbaptistchurch.com (804) 643-7711 (819) 564-1278 or (819) 864-0497 www.jem-missions.com www.landmarkbaptistrichmond.org Eastland Baptist Church Eglise Biblique Baptiste Metro Sud Joe Asbury Pastor Troy Dorrell Fairfax Baptist Temple Pastor Mario Monette Christian Stewardship Ministry 1835 S. 129th E. Ave. Pastor Troy Calvert 3395 Mountainview PO Box 519 Tulsa, OK 74108 6401 Missionary Ln. St-Hubert, QC J3Y 5N4 Hymera, IN 47855 (918) 437-4707 Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (450) 445-6659 (812) 201-5082 www.ebctulsa.org (703) 323-8100 www.ebbms.org www.fbtministries.org Evangelist Hal Hightower Pennsylvania England 21 Years of Pastoral Experience Christ Independent Baptist Church Washington Calvary Baptist Church 26737 Gene Dr. Pastor Dave Peterman Berean Baptist Church Pastor Russ Ivison Lebanon, MO 65536 1618 Womrath St. Pastor Robert Reno 65 Ombersley St. E. (417) 718-4412 Philadelphia, PA 19124 9702 128th St. E. Droitwich Spa, Worcs, UK WR9 8QS (215) 288-5667 PO Box 73042 W.L. “Bill” Smith (GLOBE) www.cibc1.org Puyallup, WA 98373 Global League Of Baptist Evangelism (253) 841-4100 Evangelists 9320 S. Barnes Ave. South Carolina www.bbcsouthhill.com Oklahoma City, OK 73159 Southside Baptist Church Evangelist Billy Ingram (405) 692-7078 Pastor Kenneth Walters Bible Baptist Church Preaching for Revival [email protected] 1229 S. Anderson Rd. Pastor Marvin McKenzie [email protected] Rock Hill, SC 29730 12307 Canyon Rd. E. www.BillyIngram.org Evangelist John Aldrich (803) 324-0627 WRHJ – 93.1 FM Puyallup, WA 98373 (770) 539-2228 Calvary Baptist Church www.southsidebaptistrh.org (253) 535-3165 508 Freedom Rd. www.bbcpuyallup.org Dr. Larry Clayton Edmond, OK 73025 Bible Baptist Church PO Box 29 (405) 413-6180 Pastor Jim Parrish Highland Park Baptist Church Celina, OH 45822 [email protected] 255 S. 21 Bypass (PO Box 266) Pastor Steven Koppelmann (216) 533-8239 Fort Mill, SC 29716 1505 S.W. Barton [email protected] Missionary Evangelist Tom Furse (803) 547-2761 Seattle, WA 98106 Lighthouse Baptist Press Ministry www.biblebaptistonline.com Evangelist Mike Haxton 1515 Space Ave. Lakewood Baptist Temple Northwest Baptist Home Rapid City, SD 57701 Texas 10650 Military Rd. S.W. Ste. 1 Missions Paper (605) 431-0395 Burleson Boulevard Baptist Church Lakewood, WA 98498 (Ex-Mormon Bishop) [email protected] Pastor Terry Williams (253) 584-2500 6201 Tieton Dr. 315 N. Burleson Blvd. www.lakewoodbaptisttemple.org Yakima, WA 98908 Evangelist Steven H. Ostten Burleson, TX 76028 Cell Phone: (509) 952-3520 Declaration Ministries (817) 295-4342 Southwest Baptist Church, OKC, OK www.blvdbaptistchurch.org (405) 615-3545 or (405) 262-4801 [email protected] [email protected] www.stevenostten.com
*Due to the transition of the Global Baptist Times editorship and newsletter formatting, church listings and ads with photos or graphics will appear in future issues. 22
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God and one who has the experience to help a brother or sister with a similar struggle. Once the ministry wife again, we can “welcome the pain.” Welcome the Pain | Lisa Hardy My challenge to you is, the next time you face some pain, struggle or hardship in your life, ome time back, I came across an article afterward, that I was able to “welcome the pain.” whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual, with an illustration that really struck Similarly speaking, there are times and stop and think about this illustration and the home with me concerning pain, turmoil, seasons when we think we will never be able to verse in Psalm 30 and “welcome the pain” . . . for Sand stresses in our lives. The illustration was endure the labor pains of our lives. Sooner or after the laboring, we can experience true joy! of a young lady in the throes of labor and the later, we all experience the struggles that drag delivering of her first child. The midwife kept us into deep despair and at the time seem like telling her, “You have to welcome the pain. a hopeless situation. These pains have different Each contraction brings you that much closer tags placed on them. To name a few, they may to holding your baby.” It reminded me of be cancer or health issues, financial burdens, lost Psalm 30:5b, “weeping may endure for a night, and wayward children, or broken relationships. but joy cometh in the morning.” Those in full-time ministry may experience I remember the labor of my firstborn child unloving church members, church strife, or and thinking at the time there was no way discontentment among lay people. Most often, I could deliver him. I can’t think of what the when the labor or struggle has passed and we alternative would have been . . . perhaps a never- have endured the hardship, we are holding a ending pregnancy? It’s funny for me to think new, fresh spirit or attitude about life. It’s at about now, but it was not funny then. I can also that time we may be able to see why the Lord vividly remember my husband telling me, “You allowed that trial in our lives and we can then can do this. Millions of other ladies have done “welcome the pain.” it and so can you!” And you know what? I did. On the flip side, we may not ever see As soon as my son was delivered, the pain was His purpose or plan for allowing us to face Lisa Hardy gone and I was able to see the beautiful, sweet, difficulties, but we come out on the other side Bible Baptist Church | Stillwater, OK precious result of my pain. It was only then, a stronger person with a closer relationship to remembering a faithful servant of the baptist times oug Taylor, a key behind-the-scenes Bro. Doug married Kelly Neff of South Vienna, became the Teen Class teacher. In 2003, after worker on the Baptist Times for OH, in 1991, was saved in Korea in 1993, separating from the military, he was hired as full- the past five years, went home to and later baptized by missionary Charles Ross. time Associate Pastor and Youth Director. Bro. Dheaven on the morning of May 12, 2011, after After returning to Nebraska, Bro. Doug and his Doug graduated from Midlands Bible Baptist a valiant 3-year battle with leukemia and its Institute in October 2000 and was ordained in complications. Funeral services and a graveside 2004. Many young people who came up under service were held May 19. his influence are now in full-time ministry. Bro. Doug, 39, was Associate Pastor and Youth Before being called into the ministry, Bro. Director of Midlands Bible Baptist Church in Doug had intended to be in law enforcement. Bellevue, NE, where he served with Pastor Dave Because of that interest, God gave him a burden Lydick, editor of the Baptist Times for the last for ministering to police officers in some way. five years. Pastor Lydick expressed highest praise In 2004, he established a ministry in the Cass for Bro. Doug’s work and contributions to the County Sheriff’s Office and became Chaplain Baptist Times. “From the moment I took the to the officers and staff there, as well as to the editorship, Doug handled the bookkeeping/ Plattsmouth, NE, City Police Department. billing/bill paying, the church and evangelist ad In 2005, he graduated from the Nebraska pages, and the subscription and bundles mailing Law Enforcement Training Center, became lists,” Pastor Lydick said. “He also did any and a certified law enforcement officer, and was all tech support stuff.” commissioned as a deputy sheriff. His service to A native of Ohio, Bro. Doug joined the Doug Taylor | 1972-2011 law enforcement was conducted as a ministry of U.S. Air Force in November 1990 and served his church. for 13 years. His duty stations included Osan, family began attending Midlands Bible Baptist Memorial gifts may be sent to the Taylor Korea, and Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Church, where his wife and three children were Family in care of Midlands Bible Baptist NE. At Offutt, he served in the security forces all saved. He purposed to serve the Lord and to Church, 2407 Chandler Road E., Bellevue, NE of the National Airborne Operations Center, raise his family to do the same. 68005. the national nuclear airborne command post. He had a burden for young people and 23
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the capital, Budapest, to the north. missions trip to hungary While we were missionaries in Hungary, we were able to purchase buildings for both Celebrating Church Plant Anniversaries | Mike Carney churches with rental properties attached. The rentals have helped to provide for the needs of n May I was privileged to make a missions in Hungary and is just west of the Romanian the ministries and ease their burdens since we trip in which I returned to Hungary and border. The church is pastored by Zsolt Kovas, left as the missionaries. participated in the anniversary celebrations who worked with me nearly our entire time in Also during the trip, I had an opportunity to Iof two churches we helped plant while we were Hungary. visit with Bible Baptist Church of Budapest, a BBFI missionaries from 1994 to 2007. We were The church in Dunakeszi was begun with the church started by the Frauenhofer family. I had sent out of West Gate Baptist Church, Tampa, help of the Ervin Andrasik family, who spent the privilege of pastoring that church for a year FL, pastored at the time by Bruce Turner. I eight years in Debrecen with us. I pastored while the Frauenhofers were on furlough. The resigned as a missionary in 2007 to pastor the church the first year and then turned the work currently is led by missionary Jim Pranger. the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Holbrook, work over to Pastor Ervin Andrasik, who was (Mike Carney is the pastor of the Ligthouse Baptist MA. This is the church where I was saved as a ordained and sent by the Bible Baptist Church Church of Hollbrook, MA.) teenager. At the time it was pastored by Bruce of Debrecen. Dunakeszi is a city that borders Turner, its founding pastor. On the trip to Hungary we helped celebrate the 15th anniversary of our first church plant, Missions trip photos provided by Pastor Mike Carney Bible Baptist Church in Debrecen, Hungary, a church that began in June 1996, and the 5th Pastor Zsolt Kovacs, Debrecen, Hungary, Pastor anniversary of our second church plant, the Mike Carney, Holbrook, MA, and Pastor Dunakeszi Independent Baptist Church in Ervin Andrasik, Dunakeszi, Hungary, cutting Dunakeszi, Hungary. Both churches are doing the cake at Dunakeszi church’s 5th anniversary great despite the difficult financial times the celebration. The church was also organized people of Hungary are experiencing. during this trip. Pastor Carney signed the Bible Baptist Church was a joint effort of church covenant as Founding Pastor and Bro. the Carney and McLaughlin families. The Kovacs signed it as Sending Pastor. It was a great McLaughlins resigned as missionaries after the joy for the church to have all three men together church began, but we remained in Debrecen for as they officially organized. nine years. Debrecen is the second largest city
The Bible Baptist Church in Debrecen, Hungary, which began in June, The Dunakeszi Independent Baptist Church, Dunakeszi, Hungary. The 1996, is celebrating 15 years. It was started by a joint effort between Carneys began this church with a Hungarian family, the Andrasiks, who the Carney and McLaughlin families. The McLaughlins resigned as spent eight years in Debrecen with them. Pastor Mike Carney pastored missionaries after the church began and the Carneys remained in the church for the first year, then turned the work over to Pastor Ervin Debrecen for nine years. Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary Andrasik, who was ordained and sent by the Bible Baptist Church of and is just west of the Hungarian/Romanian border. This church is Debrecen, the Carneys first work. Dunakeszi is a city that borders the pastored by Pastor Zsolt Kovacs, who worked with Brother Carney nearly capital, Budapest, to the north. his entire time in Hungary. PO Box 1985 | Stillwater, OK 74076
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Times Board of Review: Rich Farinella, Kevin Folger, Dave Hardy, ALWAYS Dan Smith, and Bob Stevens. Contact: The Global Baptist Times PO Box 1985 A1 COBR. 15:5O8 | GIBFU MEETING - FEBDRUARYI 20N, 2012 |G TEMECULA, CA Stillwater, OK 74076 CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH | PASTOR W. M. RENCH | CBCTEMECULA.ORG/GIBF (405) 372-7444 E-mail: [email protected]